Personal

We’re Moving to Florida

June 9, 2019

My family and I will be moving from Idaho to Florida by the end of August 2019.

When I first came up here to Idaho in the summer of 2014 I was fresh out of residency, single and living in a garage. In order to get to the bathroom, I had to slip on some sandals, step into a frigid garage, enter the house, go through the kitchen, and walk down the hallway. You never wanted to forget your towel – which actually happened once.

I had a single desire – to learn what it meant for me to practice medical ministry, i.e. to be a doctor the way God wanted me to be a doctor.

My boss, Dr. John, offered what seemed like an untenable situation at first. “I can’t guarantee you benefits or patients,” he would say. “I can’t even guarantee you an income.” My first day at work I saw one patient. The next day I saw four. That same month my first paycheck out of residency was $1,212.90. And that was without taxes taken out.

What Dr. John did offer was something better. He built a room inside his garage where I could stay rent-free and eat at the dinner table every day. He spoke stories of faith and medical ministry that would shape how I approached patients. Dr. John created the space to pursue the calling God had placed in my heart.

Scripture tells us that God takes the lonely and places them in families. Coming off of a broken engagement, I needed a healing environment. His wife Cherie poured out her generosity upon me. His son Caleb befriended me. Luke, his older son, played practical jokes on me. His daughter, Carissa was always eager to play Phase 10 with me. His eldest daughter, Heather and I would play music together. Slowly my heart would be mended. My experience has shown me that when you pursue the calling God has placed on your heart, you will lack nothing.

What I’ve gained

I’ve gained so much in the last 5 years. Our office has counted 437 times we’ve prayed with patients in the last 9 months. I’ve learned that both the patient looking clean wearing a cross necklace is just as open to prayer as the man with tattoos who swears. In special moments, it’s okay to shed tears with your patients in their pain. It turns you into the wounded healer.

I have held health programs on behalf of the church including Diabetes Undone, Preventing and Reversing Diabetes, Feeling Better and Living Longer and a 5-Day Quit Smoking Program. Our most recent program – Preventing & Reversing Diabetes – had 47 people come out from the community on opening night, the largest number the church had in attendance for a lifestyle program. I am grateful to Loraine Gabriel for teaching me to partner with the church in this important work.

When I first came up to Idaho I was single and without child. Now I’ve married the love of my life, Melanie, who has blessed me with a son, Joshua. This wide-eyed wonder boy, who we discovered had a sense of rhythm at age 3 months, now is the joy of my life. Adding blessings upon blessings, Joshua will get to be a big brother later this year.

As you many of you know my mom has been battling cancer and it’s time for me to be with her now. We’re moving back to the town where Melanie and I grew up and were raised for 13 years. It’s the place where Melanie came back and worked for 8 years before moving to Idaho. Before getting married she told me this: “Andrew, there are things I would do for the people of that community that I wouldn’t do for anyone else.” I knew at that point, we would probably move to Avon Park. I just didn’t know when.

Well now is the time.  And I’m thrilled Mom will get to see Joshua grow. I’m relieved that this time she’ll get to welcome our new member of the family.

Part Idahoan

My Heavenly Father has blessed me with rich relationships and experiences up here. I’ve stretched and grown and am richer because of all of it. Someone once said, “I am a part of all who I have met.” If that is true, then I will always be part Idahoan.

 

 

You Might Also Like

13 Comments

  • Reply John Torquato June 9, 2019 at 9:58 am

    You go with my blessing dear friend. Take care of your family, they are your first field of labor. Godspeed! John

    • Reply Andrew Roquiz June 9, 2019 at 7:54 pm

      Thank you, Brother. You’ve taught me so much. Blessings.

  • Reply Inday June 9, 2019 at 10:16 am

    This post is such a poignant capstone to your experience. It brings tears to my eyes to see how you’ve made lemonade out of the lemons life gave you. Thank you so much for taking us with you on your journey with all its ups and downs, and having the courage to tell your story with your whole heart.

    • Reply Andrew Roquiz June 9, 2019 at 7:55 pm

      Thank you, Sister. You’ve been my solid support through all these years. Love you 🙂

  • Reply Susan Stilwell June 9, 2019 at 11:01 am

    I, personally, and we, collectively, will miss you and your family, Dr. Andrew! You’ve been a great family doctor and friend to us! You’ve taken your time to listen and pray with us in the office! You’ve blessed us tremendously, you & Melanie, with your musical talents! And I will miss your laugh of pure joy from across the Fellowship Hall! God will be with you until we meet again, but you will be missed greatly!!
    Love always, Susan & Chuck

  • Reply Evangeline H. Molnar June 9, 2019 at 11:22 am

    Since you told us early this year that you are moving back to Florida, Andor and I have been talking about how we will miss your family, which has become OUR FAMILY here in North Idaho. However, we understand the reason behind your decision, and we are happy that you will be close to your family, especially to your Mom. Just remember that you have a “home” here in Hayden whenever you decide to come and visit. God bless you and your family as you start another adventure to witness for God in the field that you have chosen. We will surely miss watching Joshua whenever you and Melanie had to go on a “date.” We love you!

    • Reply Andrew Roquiz June 9, 2019 at 7:56 pm

      Thank you, Auntie. Your Filipino food always reminded us a bit about home. Thank you for all those times you shared a meal and babysat Joshua. We’ll definitely take you on the offer for a date night 🙂

  • Reply JEWEL SANDY June 9, 2019 at 1:12 pm

    What a great testimony to God’s faithfulness! Wishing you and your family the best on this next step in your journey. May he continue to lead and guide you. Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply Ricky Kearns June 9, 2019 at 4:10 pm

    God is good. It has been a pleasure to meet and interact with you. May your joy be full.

  • Reply Beth Duffey June 10, 2019 at 2:27 pm

    Dearest Andrew and Melanie, I admit that this news has taken me by surprise. However you will be missed by me and many others, it has been a rich blessing to have you both in all of our lives. Little Josh has been a special bonus! How wonderful to hear about your expanding family! Yes, indeed, keep looking up as the Lord reveals His divine plan for your new path and adventures.

  • Reply Minnie Johnson June 11, 2019 at 6:01 pm

    We are going to miss y’all so much!! You need to promise to come back and see us!

  • Reply Jennifer Scott June 12, 2019 at 8:51 pm

    When you talk to a person you are gifted at making them feel important and equal to yourself. I loved this about you. I regret not being more involved with you and your family while you served our Lord in Idaho. Meet you guys in the hood in heaven. Love Jennifer, peace out.😎

  • Reply Gladys Araba Roman November 18, 2019 at 7:44 am

    When I first met you many years ago when you were still a student, I knew you somebody different from other young people I’ve met and know. You were not just smart but you have a heart. You are the kind of doctor we are looking for in this sin sick world. May God continue to bless your ministry and I pray for your mom that God will heal her completely . Kuya Junior and ate Nida must be very proud of you

  • Leave a Reply